Ten Top American Oktoberfests

After wrapping up in Germany, the beer festival is in full effect in the U.S.

By Stephen Beaumont

More than 200 years ago, when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, the royal couple invited Bavarian citizens to celebrate their union—and it proved to be the party of the century. In fact, they decided to repeat it the following year, and the year after that, and thus was born the world’s most famous beer event, Oktoberfest.

And while it wrapped up in Germany on Monday (after drawing in 7 million visitors), the beer-and-brat events have only begun across the U.S. Here are the top 10 American Oktorberfest celebrations:

Stoudts Oktoberfest

German traditions live on in Pennsylvania Dutch country, so it makes sense that this long-surviving craft brewery would put on a fiercely Teutonic Oktoberfest, complete with German music and food, and of course, plenty of beer.

2800 North Reading Road, Adamstown, Pennsylvania
Every Sunday in October from noon–8pm
Admission $8www.stoudtsbeer.com

Leavenworth Oktoberfest

It’s only natural that this Bavarian-themed town nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains would run their own Oktoberfest (and it’s a good one), drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors per weekend!

Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

North America’s largest Oktoberfest celebration consumes this southern Ontario town—once known as Berlin!—for two weeks in mid-month, featuring 18 Festhallen (or festival halls) and events from an Onkel Hans 5K Fun Run to a Miss Oktoberfest Gala Ball.

Maryland Brewer’s Oktoberfest

Arguably more a beer festival than a true Oktoberfest, this event features more than 80 beers from 15 breweries, maintaining its German bona fides with plenty of sausages and sauerbraten, Germanic tunes and a “carry your wife” contest.

Oktoberfest Tampa 2011

The big draw for this three-day outdoor event is the beer, or more specifically, Florida’s only kegs of Bavarian Royal Wedding Festbier, brewed by the descendent of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig, the Bavarian royal whose wedding started it all.

Tampa Water Works Park, 1710 N. Highland Avenue, Tampa, Florida
October 14 from 3pm–midnight; October 15 from 10am–midnight; October 16 from 11am–9:00pm
Admission $8, weekend pass for $15www.oktoberfesttampa.com

Connecticut Tigers 2011 Octoberfest

So what if a minor league baseball team and a chili cook-off aren’t exactly the most authentically German themes around? This afternoon affair features live music, chili and plenty of beers that promise a good time.

Firestone Walker Oaktoberfest

One of central California’s finest breweries known for its wood-conditioned beers (hence the name Oaktoberfest?) presents this miniature homage to the great Munich Oktoberfest, including keg tossing and stein carrying competitions, all in the name of charity.

Tulsa Oktoberfest

With its mix of carnival rides and beer tents, this is arguably the most Munich-like Oktoberfest in the U.S., which makes it attractive to families and nighttime revelers alike. Other diversions include arts and crafts and wiener dog races.

Ruttger’s Oktoberfest

This family-owned lakeside resort highlights the more genial side of Oktoberfest with a weekend of clowns and kegs, polkas and German-themed buffets. Where else can you combine your Oktoberfest experience with spa treatments?

Wurstfest

Although admittedly a little late to be considered an Oktoberfest, there can be no questioning the German inspiration behind this 40-year-old sausage festival, which draws more than 100,000 visitors annually to Texas Hill Country. There is beer and entertainment, too, but here it’s all about the wurst!

120 Landa Street, New Braunfels, Texas
November 4–13, open from 5pm weekdays and 11am weekends
Admission $6 in advance, $8 at the doorwww.wurstfest.com